June 2006
Testing Helps Breeders Achieve
By Theresa Shea, editor
 Choosing
which sires and dams will produce your next generation
of show dogs, field trialers and devoted family companions
is an arduous, educational and potentially very rewarding
process.
Now more than ever before, breeders are able to take
advantage of an increasing variety of pre-breeding tests
that can tell them essential characteristics about their
dogs. After carefully selecting your best bitch or stud
dog based on phenotype (those dogs which best conform
the AKC breed standard, which specifies the ideal specimen
of a particular breed of dog), it's time to take advantage
of a wide variety of pre-breeding tests that can help
ensure the success of your breeding program. Read
more.
Cameras Bring Breeders Peace of Mind
 Some
breeders have found peace of mind and that they can
save work and, most importantly, save puppies by installing
security cameras in their kennels.
When a dam's due date approaches, the cameras allow
breeders to keep a close eye on the bitch, watching
her on televisions or monitors in the comfort of their
homes. The monitors save going back and forth to check
on the dogs and allow breeders to get a more accurate
idea of how close the dam may be to whelping. Read
more.
Looking for a Book on Breeding?
The AKC Library can help you find it.
By Theresa Shea, editor
Whether you're a novice or expert, if you're looking
for a book to help you become a better breeder, the
AKC Library can help you find it.
The AKC Library serves as a library of record for all
matters relating to purebred dogs. It maintains educational
resources about the development of purebred dogs, the
sport and enjoyment of dogs and many other topics. Staff
provides research assistance, guidance and direction
to those interested in the welfare and advancement of
purebred dogs. Read more.
Get Free E-certificates when you Register with AKC
 Provide
a valid e-mail address when you register a litter or
dog with the American Kennel Club, and you will receive
free e-certificates redeemable when you buy toys, treats,
grooming supplies, crates or any merchandise from dog.com.
Spread the word to your puppy buyers, who are also eligible to take advantage of this offer when they register their new dog with the AKC. Depending on your registration package selection, you could get back $15, $30, $35 or $40 worth of coupons.
- Basic Registration receives $15 worth of free e-certificates.
- Silver Registration receives $30 worth of free e-certificates.
- Gold Registration receives $40 worth of free e-certificates.
- Litter Registration receives $35 worth of free e-certificates.
The offer applies to both online registration as well as printed registration. This is a limited-time offer.
 Pick-of-the-Litter
Question
Which, if any, pregnancy test
do you perform or have performed on a bred bitch? When
and why? Send
us your answer!
Last issue’s question: What would you recommend
as your most valuable book on dog breeding? Why? See
your answers here!
 The
AKC Pet Healthcare Plan:
An Invaluable Resource For Breeders To Recommend To
Puppy Buyers
By Theresa Shea, editor
Longtime Dalmatian breeder Meg Hennessey learned
firsthand the value of being enrolled in the AKC Pet
Healthcare Plan.
"I had a puppy that I had not yet registered
and enrolled in the healthcare plan. She broke her
leg while playing with my other dogs in the backyard,"
said Hennessey, who serves as treasurer of the Dalmatian
Club of America. "I'd had her just three weeks."
Read more.
The Sixth Sense
By Gayle Bontecue, longtime breeder
of Gayleward Scottish Deerhounds and 2004 AKC Breeder
of the Year Hound Group recipient
Two dogs + two months = breeder.
It might seem as if that's all it takes, but there's
much more to doing it right, producing puppies that
will shine -- whether they are destined for the show
ring or a pet home.
Breeding is a combination of so many separate aspects.
It';s similar to building a house from the foundation
to the roof. Breeding is an art form, an engineering
project--labor and time intensive and an emotional and
financial commitment. It is not something to enter into
lightly or without adequate preparation. Read
more.
Attend a Breeders' Symposium Near You!
Whether you’re a veteran dog breeder or novice,
if you’re interested in dog breeding, you’ll
want to attend an upcoming AKC and AKC Canine Health
Foundation (AKC/CHF) breeders’ symposium.
With the help of veterinary colleges and dog clubs
across the country, the AKC and AKC/CHF sponsor the
symposia, which feature presentations by leading veterinarians,
researchers and breeders. Dog breeders meet to learn
and share ideas, concerns and expertise.
The next symposium takes place at the University
of Florida in Gainesville on July 29, followed by
another in Branson, Mo., Aug.19-20. Look for news
on the AKC website
and the AKC/CHF website
about other symposia in the works for Ohio State University,
Denver, Colorado; Racine, Wis. Or contact Ron
Rella at AKC, (212) 696-8303, or Erika
Werne at AKC CHF, (919) 816-4014.
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Sir Francis Bacon, English author and philosopher, first coined the phrase, "Knowledge is Power." And when it comes to breeding purebred dogs, having the right knowledge will give you power to make the right choices when it comes to breeding practices, selecting mates or determining which genetic health tests are right for your breed.
One of the best ways to gain that invaluable knowledge, besides first-hand experience and being mentored, is by way of reading books.
Of course, one of the best places to find books is at a library! The AKC Library, one of the largest canine research and reference collections in the world, houses our reader's top picks along with 18,000 other volumes. Read how you can access all the
AKC Library has to offer by using
its online catalog.
And even if you are still in the learning stages about breeding, reading what expert vets have to say about genetic testing by breed in Editor Theresa Shea's insightful article
can add to that knowledge base.
Also, find out how you can sign-up
for one of the AKC/AKC CHF Breeders' Symposia.
By attending a symposium and building your summer reading list based on top picks from fellow breeders, you will be well on your way to expanding your knowledge. To quote Sir Francis again, "a wise man will make more opportunities than he finds." We hope you will experience all that purebred dog breeding has to offer.
Ronald N. Rella
Director, Breeder Services
AKCbreeder@akc.org
(212) 696-8303
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The American Kennel
Club is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its
Registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and
breeding for type and function. Founded in 1884, the
AKC and its affiliated organizations advocate for
the purebred dog as a family companion, advance canine
health and well-being, work to protect the rights
of all dog owners and promote responsible
dog ownership.
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Provide
a valid e-mail address when you register a litter or
dog with the American Kennel Club, and you will receive
free e-certificates redeemable when you buy toys, treats,
grooming supplies, crates or any merchandise from dog.com.
Pick-of-the-Litter
Question 
